Genoa Restaurant

We went last night and the theme was Naples. I am half Italian, from NY and my family has restaurants all over LI. I am so happy with my experience at Genoa. The food was clean and delicious and true to it's roots. My favorite was the Insalata di Mare with prawns, octopus and squid. The cold antipasto featured the softest Buffala Mozzarella, fresh tomatoes and basil, 12 year old balsamic vinagar and olive oil. I have wanted to go to Genoa for a while but was concerned that with five courses, I wouldn't be hungry by the entree. Each dish was portioned so well that I didn't even feel full by dessert so I got to really enjoy it! It was $55 for five courses. Delicious! more

After alerting our waiter that I have a severe food allergy, each of the first three courses put in front of me were my wife's, and each contained my allergy food. One bite was all it took for me to get very sick. Even after the waiter knew I had eaten something that I was allergic to and had become sick, I still had the wrong dish put in front of me that contained my allergy. On top of it all, they attempted to charge us for our whole meal, including the incorrect dish they served me that made me sick. I would not go back. Too bad, as it used to be a good place to dine. Pros: The remodel looks nice. Cons: Inept wait staff more

This was our third visit to Genoa Restaurant. We have always wanted to like it but are consistantly disappointed in many ways. Our female server was extremely indifferent and amazingly full of herself. Three entree choices were reduced to one because they were out of the wild boar and neither of us are fond of trout. So our only choice was pigeon. Pros: New clean and bright digs Cons: formula ""cruise ship"" mass produced offerings more

We are pleased to announce, that after a one year hiatus, Genoa Restaurant has re-opened its doors. Under the leadership of new owners and Executive Chef David Anderson, Genoa emerges with a fresh new face after a collaborative remodel by Fix Studio, Siteworks and Works Partnership Architecture. Our new five course prix-fixe menu ($55) is rooted in regional Italian cuisine based on seasonality and continues the 38 year tradition that made Genoa one of the city's culinary pioneers and its first farm-to-table restaurant. We are proud to welcome back the devoted fans of Genoa and equally excited to introduce a new generation of Portlanders to a dining experience where comfort and service play an equal role. Pros: Attention to detail, first class service, great value. Cons: a year without you more

Our group of 8 diners chose the newly remodeled Genoa for our annual holiday dinner. We were delighted to discover that the space has a lot of the same intimacy and charm without the darkness and fustiness that it used to have. It is now warm and elegant, which also describes the service there: our waiter was friendly and knowledgeable, and funny and engaging without being intrusive. He truly added to our dining experience. The arrival of every course was coordinated and perfectly timed, and the wines we brought were decanted and served to best suit the courses. And then of course there was the food: the pastas were light and flavorful, the salads creative and fresh, and the entrees simply outstanding. And don't get me started on the desserts. Altogether, we stretched drinks and the five-course dinner to about 4 hours, so Genoa is probably not the place you want to go with a blind date, but it was perfect for a group to relax and catch up and really enjoy wine and food and each-other's company. Thanks again! Pros: Food/Service/Wine/Ambiance Cons: Too pricey to go every weekend! more

'Tis a sad day in Bridgetown... Genoa is no more. As much as Higgins takes credit for bringing fine dining to Portland, three restaurants had him beat (in more ways than one): L'Auberge, Cafe Des Amis and Genoa. Genoa was the last of the three to shut its doors when it closed a couple weeks ago. For those of you who never got a chance to try one of these three places, I am sorry; now about as close as you can get is Paley's. To those in the know before New York found Portland: Join me in a glass raised to one of the best. Pros: wonderfull memories Cons: It is no longer open more

This place needs remodel so bad! It smells like mold in there, even their glasses, which greatly affects the wine, and if you want to eat there, you'll need to bring a magnifying glass with you...seriously. At the other hand, I've never dined at a place for Elf's, so it was quite an experience! Also, it's way too dark inside. I don't understand all the fuss about this restaurand at all! Maybe 20 years ago? more

I have been to many fany fixed menu restaurants and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of Genoa. I honestly wasn't expecting the many delights that we received. The service was exceptional, the waiter was friendly and intelligent. I have come to expect lack luster service here in Portland and I was very pleased to have such exceptional service as we had. Pros: Oustanding food and service Cons: The decor could use a little updating more

I waited almost 13 years to finally go to Genoa, a place many had said would be the finest dining experience I would ever have in Portland. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. Stunned would be more accurate. I could go into detail, but really the bottom line is the food was just not good, the inside is unremarkable, the wait staff is nothing special, and the prices are ungodly. I mean, honestly, I have had more satisfying meals at Elmer's. After reflecting on all this, I have a theory that Genoa is secretly run by the Cacophany Society as a elaborate gag and they really purchase all their ingedients at Hawthorne Fred Meyer. The joke's on us. more

We have been long time patrons of this Portland Landmark restaurant. We have regularly gone on NY Eve and other special occasions for a number of years, frequently accompanied by a large group. Our last visit was with a group of 8 people on Saturday Sept. 1st. The service was a disappointment to put it mildly. I have a crab allergy which we covered both when we made the reservation and when we confirmed the reservation, but I was served it anyway. It was a crab beignet and luckily my wife brought it to my attention before I ate it. We had also brought 3 bottles of wine. We asked that they be opened to breath and one member of our party suggested decanting their wine. Only 2 of the 3 bottles were opened and none were decanted. One person in our party was served the wrong main course, he ordered the rib eye and was served lamb instead. He said it was OK, but a service oriented restaurant would have made it right. The service definitely spoiled the evening. more

Went with a few friends a couple of weeks ago and had to write about it. First off the food is unreal. The artichokes three ways with cherries and balsamic that has been reduced and the whipped like cream is wonderful. The corn soup that is vegan and yet silky smooth and creamy is wonderful. We all fell in love with the agnolotti with braised and then grilled fresh bacon. The shaved porcini mushrooms were awesome. The fish were amazing. To finally have a choice at Genoa from three different fish was just wonderful. The sardines, rouget, scallops, and walleye pike were all meticulously prepared and executed. After that we then had the meat course. Who knew you could get that in Portland. Porchetta with candied olive and smoked blue cheese. Ribeye with shaved beans and balsamic, And last but not leat Lamb Loin with braised squash blossoms and tomato jam. All were mind blowing. Next was and intermezzo of a sage infused lemonade. Who knew!!! The desserts are wonderful, not to sweet but just right. Then we had the cheese course. And finally the Petit Fours which were Toffe Popcorn, housemade of course, and handmade strawberry marshmallows. WOW is really all we can say. The previous remark of resting on the laurels is crazy. This is by far and away the best food in Portland ever. Nostrana, Park Kitchen, and Le Pigeon HA! Genoa has everyone beat on the food side of things. Pros: Everything Cons: Nothing more

I've been to Genoa in Portland 3 times. The first two times were bliss. The third was pathetic. Pros: Fancy low light romantic atmosphere Cons: Uninspired food with zero zing. Resting on their laurels. more

So after about a year of several of my friends raving about this place, we finally went to Genoa. We did $80, 7 course meal. The service was friendly and courteous, but that was about it. Took them 35-40min to bring out the first course and the evening went down hill real fast from there. Each and every course was very uninspiring, bland and if it had any flavor, it was a disastrous combination of several clashing ones. Most of us ordered either lamb or sturgeon for the entree course and once again when the wait staff left the room, we looked at each other and rolled our eyes collectively in an utter disappointment. The lamb dish I took a bite was one of the worst lamb dishes I've ever had and my fish was cold (despite my plate being hot) and just like the rest of the meal, was below par. Three of my friends who had been here before (several yrs back) were mortified that they had highly recommended (even insisted) we all try this place. They told the rest of us that the food was actually good way back when. When there are so many good restaurants around here, why would anyone go to Genoa and pay $96 (80 + 20% mandatory tip just cuz our group was big) when it's in a dumpy area, a dumpy building and the interior that's seen the better days? More than anything, for the food that's not even worth half of what they 're charging, it must be the hype that keeps this place going. Well, I and my friends will not be the ones to sing any praise of this place. more

I am writing in response to the previous posting. To be fair, I will acknowledge that I am the GM of the restaurant. I was deeply saddened to hear that we were responsible for his most embarrassing night ever, but there are some other important things to note which were not included in the letter. more

If you plan to eat at Genoa and are strictly vegetarian, lacto-vegetarian, lacto-ovo vegetarian, or vegan, be very explicit with the reservations clerk as they will not prompt you for details. If the chef cannot accommodate your dietary restrictions exactly at the time you appear for your reservation, you will be asked to leave the restaurant. They do not serve anything less than a complete 7 course or a ""mini"" 4-course meal. Pros: Great for meat eaters Cons: be very specific if you are vegetarian, lacto vegetarian, vegan, or have friends who are more

I've been to Genoa only once, but it was a truly memorable experience. I will be going again next week. I was apprehensive at first about the fixed menu because I have a few dietary restrictions, but they were gracious and accommodating and had alternatives for the vegetarian, those with allergies, or the somewhat ""picky-eater."" The servers were attentive, but not overly - they were there when you needed them, they were well-educated with the menu and wine list, and never asked a question when you had your mouth full nor did anyone have an attitude. The food was delicious, inventive, and well-timed. I was so completely engaged with my company and the meal that I never noticed the decor - so if it is dated as others had mentioned, I wouldn't know and can't imagine caring because the intimate atmosphere and delicious food are center stage with the service playing the supporting role to perfection. You can count on paying a minimum of $200 per couple for the 7-course meal and a moderately priced bottle of wine. However, they do offer 3- and 4-course meals if you want to experience the restaurant at a lower price. They offer a good wine-list with prices from $25 to several hundred dollars - something for everyone's taste and budget. Pros: Delicious food, outstanding service, very special place Cons: Pricing limits frequent dining more

My husband and I came here for the whole shebang for our anniversary. After 8 pm, we were the only people in the restaurant (it wasn't a Friday or Saturday) and the service was amazing. We ended up with more wine than we'd paid for and three extra desserts. The smaller plates and soup course were delicious and creative-truly memorable. It certainly deserves its place in the top tier of Portland restaurants. The only negative thing I would say about this place would be that there are so many beautiful restaurants in Portland and this one could certainly use a decorative face-lift. However, what really matters is the food and in that Genoa shines. Pros: food, service Cons: chairs, decor more

Genoa is on track for serving authentic Italian, but it lacks in almost every trait that would make it a landmark restaurant, or must do experience. Whoever wrote the review ""Best italian in PDX"" is either biased, uneducated in great food, or got lucky (FYI...i'm from New York, and know what ""REAL"" Italian food tastes like). Beyond the furnishings, the servers, although very friendly, lack the flare to create great ambience. The food was incredibly average and the $63 bottle of chianti also uninspiring. When you pay $250+ for 2, each course of the meal should delight you and have you clammoring for 2nds. Genoa has let itself go.... Pros: friendly servers Cons: overpriced, average food, poor ambience more

Celebrated my girlfriend's birthday at Genoa the other night. We were both pretty excited and had wanted to experience this much hyped up restaurant for a long time. Overall, we were disappointed. The food was quite excellent, and the wine list was very good (and surprisingly, well balanced in terms of price). Service, however was pretty terrible by any standard. When we first got there, we received an unenthusiastic welcome, were promptly seated, but then left waiting at our table for about 20 minutes! Throughout dinner, we felt like an inconvenience to our server, who apparently was over her head a bit, because of some early arrivals. I don't think I will ever go back and would not recommend Geona to my friends. The food was good, but the service and overall experience left much to be desired. Unacceptable at any price, much less $200+. Cons: Service, Decor more

My wife and I went here for a nice dinner and although our dinner was over $200 the atmosphere made it worthwhile. The service staff did a good job of answering our questions about the entrees and wine and they were prompt. The food was decent and the desert was great! Pros: Good food, Good service, Great deserts! more